LAS

JoJo I work in acute care, so I do not have much experience in Mental Health. I am currently heading up our institutions restraint task force. The Joint Commission and HCFA which are both regulatory agencies that certify a facility for Medicare reimbursment. Currentl the standards are becoming more strict. Restraints can only be used when all least restrictive measures have been attempted and failed. And the documentation must be complete and the assessments must be ongoing. In long term facilities restraints are not alternatives. The philosphy of our facility is that confusion is a symptom that needs to be treated. Hope this is helpful. I would interested to learn about your restraint practices. ------------------

I completely agree with the statements made by Carol Hann. Nurse must learn to support and nurture each other

I feel that I am fortunate, in that I making a decent salary and that I am able to comfortably support myself. It is unrealistic to think that you will become indeoendently wealthy in nursing. But nurses are overworked at times for all the reasons already posted. But nurses do have the power to bring about change but it is not easy. Nurses have to be willing to stop just complaining and to get involved. The nurses of the CNG (Concerned Nurses Group) are working to bring about change.

To all the students and new grads, PLEASE do not let the negative comments heard by burnt out nurses scare you away. Nursing is going thry alot of exciting changes and we can make it better. Yes nursing is difficult and demanding but it is also rewarding. I would be completely lost if it would not be for my career.